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A Long Beach Nature Tour - Naturally!

For years each and every Saturday, (and Wednesday's in August) the Wickaninnish Inn in conjunction with Long Beach Nature Tours has offered a complimentary guided nature walk on our property’s "Rainforest Trail", which winds through a portion of the old-growth rainforest surrounding the Inn. This hour and a half long hike is a lovely, easy stroll through one of the most remarkable forest areas in Tofino and the perfect way to start the day. I have been out on this walk in the past but decided to join Long Beach Nature Tours guide Jens along with a few other guests recently. I forgot just how much information one takes away from these walks! There’s so much to learn about the flora, fauna and the awesome history of this incredible area.

We slowly started our way through the loop, being sure to take our time as Jens would stop and tell us a bit about nurse logs and their vital role in the forest, the grand Sitka spruce, the importance of the cedar tree and its major role for the First Nations people of this area and more. I learned the Cedar was harvested to be weaved into baskets, clothing and even diapers back in the day. Our walk ended on Chesterman Beach and although we spoke about the amazing glass floats that come all the way from Japan, we were not so fortunate to find one ourselves. I'll keep looking!

The short hour and a half walk is a perfect appetizer for hiking enthusiasts and might leave you wanting even more. Long Beach Nature tours also offers a variety of hikes extending into the Pacific Rim Park, from half to full day options, customized to any group. At this time of year, their Storm Watching package along the Wild Pacific Trail combines dramatic seas, tales of old shipwrecks and forest exploration to provide the ultimate guided experience.